Submitted By: Tammy
Answered: March 25, 2014 8:30 am

I’m taking RMDs from my IRA. I don’t need the money now, so can I put the money into my Roth IRA?

There are only 2 ways to put money into a Roth IRA: (1) an annual contribution, which must be based on earned income and can only be made up to a set dollar amount annually; and (2) a conversion from a traditional IRA, which requires immediate income recognition of the converted amount (assuming the account was funded entirely with deductible contributions). Amounts that must be taken as required minimum distributions (RMDs) are not eligible for conversion. Only amounts exceeding the RMD can be converted.

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Tax Glossary

Home equity debt

Debt secured by a principal residence or second home to the extent of the excess of fair market value over acquisition debt. An interest deduction is generally allowed for home equity debt up to $100,000 ($50,000 if married filing separately).

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